Going Undercover: Kevin Kühnert Opens Up About the Fear That Led to His Departure
Kevin Kühnert explains his reasons for stepping down from his position in detail
Kevin Kühnert's stepping down left many puzzled, including his political peers. But now, for the first time after his resignation, Kühnert has opened up about what led to his decision, revealing a chilling narrative of escalating threats and the all-encompassing fear that followed.
In an exclusive sit-down with "Die Zeit," Kühnert candidly spoke about the moments that pushed him to the brink. "Being 1.70 meters tall, my red line is where violence is in the air," Kühnert shared.
The streets, even the Swabian Alb, no longer felt safe for him. In nearly every inn he visited, he recognized someone who made him feel harassed. The final straw came when he found himself unable to escape the hostile glares of a crowd, even on vacation.
Kühnert's trust in his ability to combat hate began to waver, especially in the face of relentless hostility on social media. "There was a time when it felt like futility," he sighed. There was no single incident or medical diagnosis that led to his departure; instead, it was a deep-seated, diffuse feeling of not being safe any longer.
The indifference of society was just as harrowing as the threats. One time, while riding on a tram filled with passengers, three men discussed their intentions to assault Kühnert. The awkward silence that enveloped the carriage showed the lack of commitment to uphold democratic values.
On a more personal note, Kühnert revealed a surprising detail about his romantic life, sharing that he has been in a relationship with an FDP man for several years. The relationship offered him a newfound appreciation for the importance of respect and understanding in political disagreements, underscoring the need for open-mindedness in politics.
Yet, despite his harrowing experience, Kühnert hasn't closed the door on a return to politics. "I didn't walk away because I thought it was all a joke or unimportant," he explained, stressing that his decision was not rooted in fear but in his search for a safer environment. While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear - he wants to avoid becoming another "Gabriel," the former SPD chairman who continues to comment on political events from the sidelines after his departure.
Kevin KühnertSPDGerman Bundestag
- Enrichment Data: Kevin Kühnert resigned as SPD Secretary-General and retreated from politics in October 2024, citing several incidents that threatened his physical safety and questioned the societal commitment to democratic values. The key incidents he mentioned included physical intimidation, ideologically motivated threats, and apathy among bystanders during such incidents.
- Despite resigning as SPD Secretary-General and retreating from politics, Kevin Kühnert hinted at a possible return, stating that his decision was not driven by fear but a search for a safer environment.
- The specific incidents that led to Kevin Kühnert's departure from the German Bundestag included physical intimidation, ideologically-motivated threats, and apathy from bystanders during such incidents.
- The ensuing silence among passengers in a tram when three men discussed their intentions to assault Kevin Kühnert was a stark reminder of the indifference of society towards upholding democratic values.
- In a surprising revelation, Kevin Kühnert, a former SPD member, announced that he has been in a long-term relationship with an FDP man, which has provided him with a newfound appreciation for respect and understanding in political disagreements.
